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US EPA Meets With Make America Healthy Again Leaders About Pesticides, Chemicals
U.S. News & World Report reported:
Top officials of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held at least six meetings this month with members of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement as agency head Lee Zeldin pledges to more closely align with the movement’s agenda, according to four people who attended the meetings. The meetings show the growing influence of MAHA, a network of activists seeking vaccine restrictions and reduced chemical exposure, on the administration of President Donald Trump.
The movement has already held sway at the Department of Health and Human Services, where MAHA-aligned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has implemented MAHA priorities, including curbing childhood vaccines. The movement has gained influence and access to policymakers because of its Trump administration backers, and represents growing interest by conservatives in some issues once mostly taken up in the U.S. by Democrats, such as restricting pesticides.
Zeldin and top EPA officials met with MAHA members to discuss pesticide and chemical exposure policy, according to the attendees, who described Zeldin and the agency officials as friendly and open to their concerns.
Common Household Chemicals Linked to Increased Risk of Serious Neurological Condition
A study from Sweden’s Uppsala University discovered a link between microplastics and multiple sclerosis (MS). The research, published in the journal Environmental International, discovered that exposure to two common environmental contaminants, PFAS and PCBs, could increase the risk of the autoimmune disease.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as “forever chemicals,” are used in some common household products, such as non-stick cookware, textiles and cleaning products. They have also been found in drinking water throughout the U.S., according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are toxic industrial chemicals once widely used in electrical equipment before being banned decades ago, as stated by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The new study findings were based on blood samples of 1,800 Swedish individuals, including about 900 who had recently been diagnosed with MS, according to a university press release.
New Scorecard Warns: U.S. Food Retailers Lag on Reducing Harmful Pesticides
Friends of the Earth reported:
Friends of the Earth released its 2025 Bee-Friendly Retailer Scorecard, the leading national assessment of how the largest U.S. grocery retailers are addressing toxic pesticides in their supply chains. Several companies have recently strengthened their pollinator health policies, but widespread inaction continues to expose the industry to mounting financial, ecological, and consumer trust risks.
The Scorecard evaluates 25 of the country’s top grocery retailers on their commitments and progress toward reducing pesticides linked to the decline of bees, biodiversity, soil health, and human health. This year, Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc (NASDAQ: SFM) became only the second company to score in the “A” range, joining Whole Foods.
Sprouts revealed a new commitment to pollinator health this December. The policy aims to reduce use of toxic pesticides in the company’s supply chain and build on the its industry-leading organic sales.
Study Finds Cancer-Linked Chemicals in Some Firefighter Gear
U.S. News & World Report reported:
Some protective gear worn by firefighters may contain chemicals linked to serious health risks, according to a new study. The research — published Dec. 16 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters — found that certain firefighter turnout gear contains brominated flame retardants, or chemicals added to materials to slow flames, but also tied to cancer and hormone problems.
This is one of the first in-depth studies to closely examine whether these chemicals are present in firefighter gear and how much could be released during use. Firefighters wear turnout gear made of three layers: An outer shell that resists flames, a middle moisture barrier that blocks germs and an inner lining that helps control body heat.
To meet safety rules set by the National Fire Protection Association, manufacturers treat these layers with chemicals to reduce fire risk.
For years, firefighters have raised concerns about PFAS, a group of chemicals once commonly used in turnout gear to repel water and oil. PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer and other health problems.
